Urban cycling: the best of seattle southside

Photos & video by: Capture.Share.Repeat

Let's face it; this summer has been like none other before it. People have been stuck inside, working from home, limiting outings and generally pining away for a 'normal' life. So what do you do when you want some semblance of normalcy? Some Seattleites have started getting creative and exploring the exciting things to see and do in their own backyard.

For this trip, we’ll follow a couple as they set out on a bike-packing journey close to home on an urban adventure complete with camping on the shores of Puget Sound. Join them as they pedal approximately 20-miles from Eastlake to Saltwater State Park and discover the many wonders of Seattle Southside… also known as “Seattle’s Backyard.”

Erin and Dave Bike to Seattle Southside

1st Stop: Museum of Flight

Cruise along East Marginal Way in the wide bike lane and you're literally riding right along the King County International Airport - Boeing Field. The runway is pretty active, with large jets, planes and helicopters taking off and landing right next to the street. It's distracting in a good way, pull over for an up close view.

The Museum of Flight is a great stop along the way, it is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world. With over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, millions of rare photographs, dozens of exhibits and experiences and a world-class library, the Museum and its people bring mankind's incredible history of flight to life.

Take your time walking through the airplane hangar which is full of classic airplanes. You can stand right next to a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in this cool exhibit. 

Museum of FlightMuseum of Flight on Marginal Way
Museum of Flight Up Close Boeing Up close to a Boeing 787 Dreamliner

2nd Stop: Cecil Moses Memorial Park & Green River Trail

The entrance to Cecil Moses Park guides you onto the Interurban Trail, which has public restrooms and a nice grassy area to stop and relax. The bridge brings you across the Green-Duwamish River and onto the Green River Trail that winds more than 19-miles near the Duwamish Waterway in Tukwila to the broad Green River Valley. The popular trail has excellent views and access to the Green River and links the urban centers to pastoral landscapes, parks and Seattle Southside communities.  

With minimal grade and a wide, flat path, the Green River Trail is a cycler's dream! This route is designated for non-motorized use and makes for a leisurely pace, offering a chance to look around and breathe in the fresh air.

Cecil Moses Memorial ParkCecil Moses Memorial Park

Cecil Moses Memorial ParkBicentennial Park Bridge
Tukwila BridgeUrban Center Bridge

3rd Stop: Lunch at Sharps RoastHouse

Sharps RoastHouse is a classic American roast house, known for savory roasts and small-batch craft beverages. They serve 10+ fresh roast varieties daily, coming from their one of a kind 25-foot Roasting Works (look for it in the dining room).

Try the Wenatchee Applewood Smoked Pulled Pork Salad and Champagne Mango Margaritas or the Seattle Classic Burger with a local IPA. You won't be disappointed! For the foodies, you won't want to miss Sharps Original Mac and 4 Cheeses which includes Pike Place Market Beecher's Flagship, Parmesan, Grande Whole Milk Mozzarella and Willamette Valley Cheddar.

Fun fact: Sharps makes their own sourdough pasta noodles in house with their custom pasta machine ordered from Italy. You can watch them make the pasta from inside the restaurant. Between the roasting works, homemade pasta machine and the all-day happy hour in the pub, this place has everything you could want for an excellent lunch or dinner.

Lunch at Sharps Roasthouse SeaTac
Sharps Champagne Mango Margarita
Sharps Seattle Classic Burger


Side Trip: Angle Lake Park

Angle Lake Park is just a mile down the road from Sharps. The perfect length to ride after eating lunch to explore a relaxing, urban lakefront with a fantastic view of Mt. Rainier.

Angle Lake Park

4th Stop: Des Moines Creek Trail & Beach Park

From Angle Lake, the coastal town of Des Moines beckons. The best way to reach the beach is via the 2.2 mile Des Moines Creek Trail, this paved trail through the woods makes you feel like you’re miles away from civilization and ends right at the Des Moines Beach Park

The fresh salty breeze carries the scent of the sea, greeting you as you make your way to Des Moines Beach Park. There is a large grassy area to relax that is a great place to watch the boats coming and going and fishermen dropping lines. At low tide there are tide pools to explore...this is a great place to bring the family!

Des Moines Beach ParkDes Moines Beach Park
Des Moines Beach TrailDes Moines Beach Pier

Final Stop: Saltwater State Park

Just 2.7-miles exists between Des Moines Beach Park and Saltwater State Park. Ride along the wooded forest road with amazing views of Puget Sound as you enter the State Park. There are picnic tables, fire pits along the water and a small sandy beach with piles of large driftwood. To the left is a small campground with about 30 campsites tucked in the woods. It's a short walk to nearby restrooms and just a bit further to the waterfront.

Whether by bike, car or train, discovering Seattle Southside will help you scratch that adventure itch without having to travel too far from home. More info on Seattle Southside here: www.seattlesouthside.com

Camping at Saltwater State ParkCamping at Saltwater State Park
Saltwater State ParkEnjoying the view at Saltwater State Park


Pro Tip: Use the Link Light Rail!

If you don't want to ride the whole way from Seattle, hop on the light rail and exit at Tukwila Station to start your adventure!

Link Light Rail